Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for April 15.
COVID-19 Updates & Precautions
April 15, 2020, PM update
Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here:
https://coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com
While Town Hall and municipal buildings are physically closed to the public, we are open for business. Many transactions can be completed online, and we are available via phone and email to assist during regular business hours. A full Town Directory can be found here. A box at the front door of Town Hall may be used to drop off correspondence, applications, etc., and they may also be mailed or emailed. Parks, playgrounds and playing fields are closed.
As of 11 a.m. on April 15, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 20 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; five of those cases are active, with 15 recoveries and zero deaths.You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard: https://arcg.is/15Wj8C
We are now toward the middle of the “surge” in the commonwealth. Cases are expected to continue to climb for at least a number of days, and local case numbers may not accurately reflect the infections in our community. This is a critical time to help stop the spread. Please stay home, and if you must go out, wear a mask, go out only for what you need and practice social distancing. If you are asymptomatic and positive with COVID-19, you may not be aware you have it; the use of the mask will reduce the risk that you spread the disease to others.
New Hopkinton Covid-19 Hub – NEW UPDATE
Hopkinton has launched a new and improved COVID-19 dedicated resource and information hub at https://coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com/. This new site includes many useful links and often updated information. Please take a look and check back frequently.
COVID-19 Public Resources Map – NEW UPDATE
The COVID-19 Public Resources Map shows the location of resources available to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as food banks, houses of worship and Project Bread site locations. Please note the map is not inclusive of all resources, and is only as accurate as the information that has been provided to MEMA. To access the map click here. To submit a new public resource for consideration to the map, click here: Community Resource Form
Northeast Governors Join Forces – NEW UPDATE
Massachusetts has joined a multi-state council to get people back to work and restore the economy. Gov. Charlie Baker said, “The Baker-Polito administration looks forward to participating in discussions with neighboring states and experts regarding the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Massachusetts also remains focused on efforts to expand testing, ensure hospital capacity and provide the necessary PPE to those on the front lines to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.” More info here.
Economic Impact (stimulus checks) – NEW UPDATE
A reminder that the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that distribution of economic impact payments have begun, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment. More info here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
The IRS recently launched a new tool to track your payment:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
Real Estate Tax Extensions
The Town has elected to extend fourth quarter real estate taxes and tax exemption application due dates to June 1, in addition to waiving certain fees and interest on late payments. Click here for more info.
Residents who do not already have a C/W MARS library card can now be issued a temporary card number. Click here to apply. A temporary card will enable you to access parts of our “digital branch” that require sign-in. You must be a Massachusetts resident; some resources may only be available to Hopkinton residents.
We continue to add virtual events to our schedule while the building is closed. Keep an eye on our events calendar or social media for more information.
Library staff are available to answer questions about any library services or other information you need via e-mail (hopkintonlibrary@hopkintonma.gov), phone (508-497-9777), or our new chat-a-librarian service (click the blue “speech bubble” icon near the top of our webpage between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays).
Hopkinton Urges Runners to Stay Home on Patriots Day – NEW UPDATE
Click here for more info.
Centralized Job Hub
Massachusetts needs health care and human services professionals to staff healthcare sites that are being created for COVID-19 patients. You can make a difference by providing aid and comfort to those in need. There are employment opportunities for a variety of roles at temporary care sites across the state. There are many paid positions available in both healthcare and non-healthcare related fields. Find out more at https://www.mass.gov/joincovidteam
Hopkinton Public Schools
The Hopkinton School Committee voted on April 9, at its regularly scheduled meeting, to eliminate April Vacation (April 21-24). The last day of school is now scheduled for June 17.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources
Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced expanded services for anyone not safe at home during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. SafeLink, the Commonwealth’s statewide, 24/7, toll-free and confidential domestic violence hotline, is now also providing support to survivors of sexual assault. Call the SafeLink hotline at (877) 785-2020 to get help and advocacy. Judges are also available 24 hours a day to process restraining orders. Advocates are available in English and Spanish and can provide translation in more than 130 languages. If you are experiencing violence within your home or concerned about a loved one that may be experiencing violence, please call the SafeLink hotline for support and resources. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
Senior Services and Senior Center
Hopkinton Senior Center staff continue to be available if you have questions or concerns, need assistance obtaining food or have any other need during this time. Please contact us at 508-497-9730. Leave a message and your call will be returned promptly.
“Senior Center Without Walls” — Check out the Senior Center website and Facebook page to see what virtual programs are available. New programs are being added weekly that cover exercise, language study, cooking and more! There is even a virtual coffee hours every week to catch up with old and new friends. If you need assistance accessing these programs, please call 508-497-9730 and we can help you connect.
Youth & Family Services
Hopkinton Youth & Family Services has a resource page for behavioral health, substance use recovery, and other resources to get help during the crisis that is regularly updated with new resources: Y&FS Basic Needs Resource Sheet for COVID19. Can’t find what you need? Contact us. Our office is available to help.
Stay Updated & More Resources
You can find many resources and more information at www.hopkintonma.gov/covid-19
Hopkinton also posts frequently on social media. Our Twitter is the best place to keep up with all happenings Hopkinton. You don’t need an account to see our twitter feed: https://twitter.com/HopkintonMA
Complete list of Emergency Orders and Guidance from Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
Please note: The next Hopkinton briefing for this week is scheduled for Friday afternoon. Follow us on twitter for interim updates: https://twitter.com/HopkintonMA
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